Four old Cathar castles on steep mountain side. Good fun for imaginative to explore. It's in a lovely mountain village too, with a couple of nice lunch venues.

Found this site on a suggested tour from Carcassonne. Have visited a few Cathar sites before and was interested in learning more about their plight. This site is great from the aspects of trying to understand their living conditions but also a great view. Two 50+ yr olds with 11 & 12yo kids found it no problem to get to.... More

One pays on entrance via a small museum and reception. Then you exit the back of the facility to walk up the hill to 4 small, ruined, hilltop Cathar forts. Moderately steep but it's very picturesque and oozes historic atmosphere of a bygone era. I think it's worth the effort!

I wasnt sure about this as the tourist brochures didnt make it look that special but it was very pretty. The views over the countryside were worth the steep walk to get there.

One of the most spectacular Cathar castles, although not as bleak or remote as sites such as Monsegur. You need to allow a couple of hours to climb up to each of the towers, but the efoort is wortgh it.

This chateau has the most incredible views as it is a series of castles perched on high rock outcrops built by the cathars, a group who decided that they wanted to try real Christianity.the chateau he's to be seen to be believed and it reinforces that this region of France has a long and interesting history.

Perched high above the small village of Lastours are 4 ruined Cathar chateaux with wonderful views, it’s a bit of a climb but well worth it, (wear good shoes) you will also find a ruined church, and if you make it past the last tour and go down into a valley you will find a ruined medieval village, and the... More

The view from the visitors' centre on the hillside opposite the chateaux is quite spectacular. Any attempt to climb up to the chateaux themselves should be made only by the hale and hearty, as it is extremely steep. We visited during the recent heatwave and didn't make the effort on this occasion, although we have done so a couple of... More

A not-to-be-missed sight, the Chateaux de Lastours are four ruined "Carthar" towers reached by a nice little uphill climb. While each tower is wonderful to visit, the last - Tour Cabaret - offers a spectacular view of the three other towers perched on the mountain. Be sure to visit the panorama for a stunning view of all four towers.